GENERIC NAME: ACETYLCYSTEINE - INHALATION/ORAL (a-SEET-il-SIS-teen)

USES: When inhaled by mouth, acetylcysteine is used to help thin and loosen mucus in the airways due to certain lung diseases (such as emphysema, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia). This effect helps you to clear the mucus from your lungs so that you can breath easier.When taken by mouth, acetylcysteine is used to prevent liver damage from acetaminophen overdose.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This drug may also be taken by mouth to prevent kidney damage due to dyes from certain X-ray procedures (such as CT scan).